Most people’s idea of a rocking 75th birthday party isn’t a 12-mile trek from the East Bay to the Peninsula.

But that’s how Jym Marks decided to celebrate making it through his 75th year — by walking from his Fremont home to his longtime business, the Markstyle Barber and Beauty Salon, in east Menlo Park. Marks said he and his 39-year-old son Jason set out Sunday morning at 7 and arrived at the Willow Road barber shop three hours and 15 minutes later to the jubilant cheers of family, friends and employees.

“I was quite surprised that I would feel that good after I finished,” Marks said in a phone interview Monday. “I said, ‘I’ll walk back.’ “

Marks’ relatives, however, persuaded him to drive home, he said.

The only glitch in the long stroll came at the Dumbarton Bridge when Marks attempted to get on a bicycle path through the fence, setting off an alarm. The poet and motivational speaker wanted to continue on to stay on pace, but his son persuaded him to take a 20-minute detour.

“My son being a parole agent … said ‘No, we got to go back,’ ” Marks said. “He said, ‘Dad, they may shoot you. This is a Homeland Security issue.’ “

Once safely on the bridge, Jason Marks alerted his hard-of-hearing father when bicyclists were approaching, many whizzing by at speeds of more than 20 mph.

“I’m hard of hearing, and a couple bikes almost wiped me out,” the older Marks said with a laugh.

Jason Marks said he drove up from Long Beach with his wife and five children to surprise his father Sunday morning.

Some of the children completed the last quarter-mile with their grandfather, he said.

“He sets the pace for myself and my siblings to keep working out and staying healthy,” Jason Marks said Monday. “I was able to keep up with him, but he really gave me a run for my money.”

Jym Marks, who spent several months training for the walk on a treadmill, said he hopes to organize a monthly walking group for seniors over age 70 that will benefit local charities. Anyone who wants to get involved can call him at 650-325-5257.

Marks added that he plans to walk 20 miles in June to celebrate a septuagenarian’s friend’s birthday — though he hasn’t yet decided on the course.

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